Genesis 24:49

And now if ye will deal kindly and truly with my master, tell me: and if not, tell me; that I may turn to the right hand, or to the left.

And now if ye will {H3426} deal {H6213} kindly {H2617} and truly {H571} with my master {H113}, tell {H5046} me: and if not, tell {H5046} me; that I may turn {H6437} to the right hand {H3225}, or {H176} to the left {H8040}.

"So now if you people intend to show grace and truth to my master, tell me. But if not, tell me, so that I can turn elsewhere."

Now if you will show kindness and faithfulness to my master, tell me; but if not, let me know, so that I may go elsewhere.โ€

And now if ye will deal kindly and truly with my master, tell me: and if not, tell me; that I may turn to the right hand, or to the left.

Commentary

Context of Genesis 24:49

Genesis chapter 24 details one of the Bible's most extensive narratives focused on a single event: Abraham's quest to find a wife for his son, Isaac. Abraham, now old, sends his most trusted servant (traditionally identified as Eliezer of Damascus) to his homeland in Mesopotamia to secure a bride from his own kindred, rather than from the Canaanites among whom they dwelt. The servant, after praying for divine guidance, miraculously encounters Rebekah at the well, confirming God's leading through specific signs.

Upon arriving at Rebekah's family home, the servant recounts the entire journey and the providential signs, emphasizing that God had clearly led him to Rebekah. In verse 49, after laying out all the evidence of God's hand in the matter, the servant presses Rebekah's father, Bethuel, and her brother, Laban, for a definitive answer. He seeks their honest and decisive commitment regarding Rebekah's future, as his mission hinges on their response.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Divine Guidance and Providence: The servant's entire mission was characterized by a deep trust in God's leading, from his initial prayer to his arrival at Rebekah's family. This verse underscores his expectation that God's will would be made clear through their response, allowing him to proceed with confidence. This echoes the broader theme of trusting in the Lord with all your heart and acknowledging Him in all your ways.
  • Integrity and Honesty: The servant demands that Bethuel and Laban "deal kindly and truly" with his master, Abraham. This is a plea for transparent and sincere communication, urging them to act with integrity rather than ambiguity or deceit. It highlights the importance of truthfulness in significant life decisions and negotiations.
  • Decisive Action: The phrase "turn to the right hand, or to the left" signifies the need for a clear "yes" or "no" answer. The servant cannot remain in limbo; he needs a definite direction to either proceed with Rebekah or to seek a bride elsewhere. This illustrates the necessity of making clear decisions after seeking God's will.
  • Fulfillment of God's Covenant: The servant's urgency stems from the critical importance of his mission in the unfolding of God's covenant with Abraham. Finding a suitable wife for Isaac was essential for the continuation of the promised lineage through whom the Messiah would eventually come (see Genesis 12:3).

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "kindly and truly" translates the Hebrew words chesed (ื—ึถืกึถื“) and emet (ืึฑืžึถืช). Chesed often means "lovingkindness," "steadfast love," or "covenant loyalty," implying a deep and benevolent commitment. Emet means "truth," "faithfulness," or "reliability." Together, they form a powerful appeal for a response that is not only honest but also rooted in genuine good will and faithfulness, particularly in the context of a potential covenant relationship like marriage.

The idiom "turn to the right hand, or to the left" is a common biblical expression indicating a choice between two distinct paths or courses of action. It underscores the servant's desire for an unambiguous answer, allowing him to take a definite direction in his mission.

Practical Application

Genesis 24:49 offers valuable lessons for believers today:

  • Seeking God's Will: Like Abraham's servant, we should prayerfully seek God's guidance in major decisions, trusting that He will provide clarity and direction (Psalm 32:8).
  • Integrity in Communication: The servant's demand for truth and kindness reminds us to be honest and straightforward in our dealings with others, especially when significant commitments are involved.
  • Decisiveness: Once God's leading becomes clear, we are called to act decisively. Lingering in uncertainty can hinder progress and delay the fulfillment of God's purposes.
  • Trust in God's Faithfulness: The entire narrative of finding Rebekah for Isaac is a testament to God's faithfulness in fulfilling His promises, even through seemingly ordinary human interactions. We can trust that God is at work in our lives to bring about His good plans.
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Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated โ€” the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Genesis 47:29 (6 votes)

    And the time drew nigh that Israel must die: and he called his son Joseph, and said unto him, If now I have found grace in thy sight, put, I pray thee, thy hand under my thigh, and deal kindly and truly with me; bury me not, I pray thee, in Egypt:

  • Joshua 2:14 (5 votes)

    And the men answered her, Our life for yours, if ye utter not this our business. And it shall be, when the LORD hath given us the land, that we will deal kindly and truly with thee.

  • Genesis 32:10 (3 votes)

    I am not worthy of the least of all the mercies, and of all the truth, which thou hast shewed unto thy servant; for with my staff I passed over this Jordan; and now I am become two bands.

  • Proverbs 3:3 (3 votes)

    Let not mercy and truth forsake thee: bind them about thy neck; write them upon the table of thine heart:

  • Deuteronomy 2:27 (2 votes)

    Let me pass through thy land: I will go along by the high way, I will neither turn unto the right hand nor to the left.

  • Numbers 20:17 (2 votes)

    Let us pass, I pray thee, through thy country: we will not pass through the fields, or through the vineyards, neither will we drink [of] the water of the wells: we will go by the king's [high] way, we will not turn to the right hand nor to the left, until we have passed thy borders.